Android and Me |
- Better smartphone TV spot: “Pool Party” or “The Wedding?”
- Turn your Android smartphone into a laptop with Casetop
- The first 10 Android apps I install when I get a new phone
- AT&T prepared to launch All In One prepaid brand this summer
- Top 10 Android app updates: Yahoo!, SO.HO, Evernote Food
- You can get AT&T LTE with no contract, but it’s expensive compared to T-Mobile
- Beta test RightLane by State Farm and earn $50
- Nook HD and HD+ gain official access to Google Play
| Better smartphone TV spot: “Pool Party” or “The Wedding?” Posted: 03 May 2013 07:11 PM PDT Samsung and Nokia are both blasting the airwaves with a set of new smartphones ads this week. Each one is pretty entertaining, but which do you like best? Samsung’s “Pool Party” or Nokia’s “The Wedding?”   
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| Turn your Android smartphone into a laptop with Casetop Posted: 03 May 2013 03:25 PM PDT Livi Design believes their new Casetop project is “one of the most important technological devices since the iPhone.” We wouldn’t go that far, but their gadget that turns almost any smartphone into a laptop is still a pretty cool idea. We have seen this concept before with Motorola’s Lapdock (which didn’t sell very well), but it’s still nice to see someone pushing this type of device foward. The Casetop is compatible with any smartphone that has a video out option and bluetooth. They use standardized ports such as HDMI, MHL and MicroUSB for displaying video and Bluetooth for keyboard and mouse connectivity. The current prototype features a 10-inch 720p display, but Livi Design hopes to upgrade that to a 1080p display by launch and possibly add a touch screen if they hit their stretch funding goal. If you are interested in funding the Casetop then you can head over to Kickstarter and make your pledge. For $250 you can enjoy the full Casetop experience, but let’s not forget to point out you can pick up a Chromebook for as low as $199. Check out the video below for a preview of the Casetop and visit the source links for the full details.  
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| The first 10 Android apps I install when I get a new phone Posted: 03 May 2013 02:35 PM PDT I am not your average smartphone user. Every other week I get a new Android device and I’m constantly swapping out SIM cards to test out a new smartphone. Android has a feature that syncs up your apps from Google Play, but I always cancel it out since I have hundreds of junk apps that I download to my devices. I have found that I normally install the same groups of apps over and over, so I felt like I should share them. These are the first 10 Android apps I install when I get a new device. 1. Google Voice
 Google Voice is always the first app I install and setup because it links my Google Voice number to my current device. I switch phones and SIM cards all the time, so I always have a new temporary number, but Google Voice instantly connects me with my existing number and all my stored contacts. 2. Swiftkey
I was always a fan of the stock Android keyboard, but most non-Nexus phones exclude it. Several months ago I finally decided that Swiftkey is the best alternative keyboard, and I think I actually prefer it over stock now. Its next word prediction is awesome and I love that it learns from my Facebook, Twitter, RSS, and other social accounts. 3. Facebook
I’m not a huge Facebook user, but most of the other Android apps I use have Facebook login and it’s super simple to login if I have the official app installed. Seriously, nothing beets the one-click login of Facebook. 4. Twitter
Everyone hates the official Twitter app, but I love it. Twitter has made some great strides with recent updates and it gets the job done for me. I know it doesn’t have all the features of some 3rd party clients, but I still prefer the experience to any other app. 5. Instagram
When Instagram was an iOS-only app I thought it was kind of silly, then it finally hit Android last year and I instantly became a fan (follow me). The Android version is frequently updated and it’s one of the better designed Android apps around. 6. Springpad
When it comes to blogging, Springpad is my most used tool. I browse thousands of sites and pieces of content every day and I use Springpad notebooks to keep track of all the things I find around the web. It’s also constantly updated with new features, and I love their use of the share intent. 7. Feedly
Now that Google Reader is being shut down, I have migrated over to using Feedly. It has most of the features of Google Reader, and it adds some new things like the ability to see the number of social engagements that each story has. The developer constantly updates the app and I can’t wait to see where they take it next. 8. AppAware
I’m an app junkie, and AppAware is my fix to keep up with newly released apps. They have filters for listing just released Android apps and games, and the ability to search by popular or newly updated. The community is still pretty small, but it’s active and one of my favorites. 9. Lookout
Lookout gets a space on my device just for the locate my lost phone feature. It’s free and it gets the job done. I’ve never had an issue with Android malware or viruses, but it’s nice to have an added layer of protection just in case something goes wrong. 10. Twilight
Rounding out my Top 10 is Twilight, which is the newest app on this list. This slick little app makes your phone’s display easier on your eyes before you go to bed, and it has helped improve my sleep. There is a free version to try out, but I suggest paying for the Pro version which includes some custom tweaks and full screen mode. 
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| AT&T prepared to launch All In One prepaid brand this summer Posted: 03 May 2013 12:27 PM PDT AT&T’s current no-contract offerings are pretty weak, so we were excited to hear that the company could be launching a new prepaid brand this summer. FierceWireless reports that AT&T will begin testing a new prepaid brand called “All In One” this month in Florida and Texas, and if things go well it could see a nationwide rollout on June 15th. GoPhone is AT&T’s current prepaid brand, but the prices and data caps are not competitive with other no-contract offerings. The most data you can get with a GoPhone plan is only 1GB, and that will cost you $65 per month. (Update: GoPhone offers additional data at $15 per 1GB) AT&T has seen the number of GoPhone subscribers decreasing, so they may just drop the entire brand later this year. Rumored All In One plans include:
As you can see the proposed All In One plans are a welcome change for no-contract service on AT&T’s network. The most data I have seen offered on AT&T with no-contract is 2GB, and that is through their MVNO partners. Upping the limit to 5GB would certainly attract a few more customers. Unfortunately, it does not appear that AT&T’s All In One brand will have access to their speedy LTE network. AT&T customers can still get LTE data without a contract though the Mobile Share plans, but it’s quite expensive compared to T-Mobile. We are located in Texas, so we will be on the lookout for the All In One pilot program this month. If you see it advertised in your area, please let us know in the comments below. 
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| Top 10 Android app updates: Yahoo!, SO.HO, Evernote Food Posted: 03 May 2013 11:09 AM PDT Welcome back to the return of our weekly Top 10 Android App Updates column, where we take a look at the most upgraded apps for the week. I've found that one of the best ways to discover useful apps is to look at what people are actually updating, and not focus on which apps have the most installs. As in the past, we are going to filter out minor updates for the super popular apps that have over 10 million installs, but I'm going to make an exception for apps that had significant updates. I hope you enjoy this weekly feature and discover some apps that you might find useful. Evernote Food – Version 2.0
What’s new in this version:
Evernote Food helps you remember the food you love. Version 2.0 lets you explore recipes, discover new restaurants, and manage your own cookbook from items saved to your Evernote account. I have never really been an Evernote fan, but this app looks great and I love to cook, so I’m installing it now. SO.HO – Version 0.8
What’s new in this version:
SO.HO. brings your social networks to your homescreen, just like BlinkFeed from HTC. The app is currently in beta, but this new version squashes a bunch of bugs and adds support for new devices like the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z. Check it out if you want to experiment with a new replacement launcher. Triposo – Version 2.0
What’s new in this version:
Triposo provides one travel guide for the whole world. Just pick your destination city or country and then download your travel guides for offline use while you travel. This latest update includes a redesigned look, fresh content, and local events. Yahoo – Version 1.0.0
What’s new in this version:
Yahoo! relaunched their Android app and the most notable new feature is the integration of Summly, the company they recently acquired for $30 million. The app makes it easier to scan the news by providing a “virtually endless stream of personalized stories” that have quick summaries. I haven’t touched anything from Yahoo in years, but I’m installing this app now. UP by Jawbone – Version 1.1.0
What’s new in this version:
Wearable devices are all the rage this year, and UP by Jawbone ($129 Kicksend – Version 3.1.2
What’s new in this version:
There are plenty of Android apps that let you print photos from your phone at your local CVS or Walgreens, but why leave the house when someone will ship them to you for free? Kicksend lets you send prints to anyone’s doorstep, and orders of 15 prints or more now include free shipping. WeatherBug – Version 3.0.134
What’s new in this version:
I’ve always been a Weather Channel guy, but the new WeatherBug app just got a complete overhaul and it’s their best looking version yet. The free version is loaded with ads, but an Elite version is also available that turns them off. Remember the Milk – Version 3.0.11
What’s new in this version:
Our friends at Astrid were just acquired by Yahoo, so we figured some of you might be in search of a new to-do manager. Remember the Milk has been around for a long time, but the app was recently updated to Version 3.0 that includes a whole new look and a tablet-optimized layout. TripAdvisor
What’s new in this version:
TripAdvisor features millions of traveler reviews, photos, and maps to help you plan the perfect trip. This latest version features a new design that allows you to browse videos and bigger photos of hotels and other places you might visit. Zappos – Version 3.0
What’s new in this version:
Zappos is best known for their legendary customer service, but the online store has a pretty slick Android app. They just updated to Version 3.0 and it includes the most significant changes and feature updates since the inception of the Zappos Android App. New features include a fast and responsive design, easier checkout, and a redesigned My Account page. 
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| You can get AT&T LTE with no contract, but it’s expensive compared to T-Mobile Posted: 03 May 2013 10:00 AM PDT No-contract wireless plans are getting a lot of attention lately, now that we have unlocked Android smartphones that support LTE networks in the US. I recently purchased the unlocked HTC One Developer Edition and I paired it with a T-Mobile Simple Choice plan, but I also wanted to test the device on AT&T. I have seen a lot of confusion over whether or not AT&T offers LTE service without a contract, so I visited a local retail store to set the record straight. AT&T does offer pre-paid smartphone plans under their GoPhone brand, but they cannot access LTE. GoPhone plans are limited to HSPA+, and the most data you can get is 1GB for $65 per month. Most no-contract plans will offer 2-5GB for $50 or less, so this is not exactly the best deal.  Mobile Share Plan options from AT&T. If you want to access LTE on AT&T without a contract, then you can pick an individual plan or a Mobile Share plan and go with month-to-month service instead of signing up for a 2-year contract. The prices for month-to-month are exactly the same as if you had signed a contract, so you will be paying the built in subsidy that would normally cover your device. That means there is no discount for bringing your own phone, but it’s better than nothing if you want to access AT&T LTE. For testing purposes, I signed up for the AT&T Mobile Share plan with 4GB of data. The monthly recurring cost before taxes is $110, which happens to be close to the $120 per month we pay T-Mobile for two lines with unlimited talk, text, and truly unlimited LTE data. With the one-time $36 activation fee and government fees and taxes, my first AT&T bill was $176.46.  My first AT&T bill with one-time $36 activation fee and taxes. It’s good to know that unlocked fans can still get AT&T LTE without a contract, but they might be paying double what T-Mobile charges. Of course AT&T’s LTE network is quite large, and T-Mobile only covers seven markets right now. Depending where you live and how much you are willing to pay, either carrier could be a viable choice for you. 
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| Beta test RightLane by State Farm and earn $50 Posted: 03 May 2013 09:21 AM PDT Do you drive a lot and want to earn $50 by testing a new Android application? State Farm is looking for 5,000 volunteers to beta test their first-of-its-kind driving app, RightLane. The app collects basic information about your driving without a plug-in device or OnStar and the first 5,000 volunteers can earn a $50 gift card for participating, and you don’t have to be a State Farm customer. Test requirements:
Details about the app are limited, but this appears to be State Farm’s response to Progressive’s Snapshop discount. That program monitors your driving habits and then provides up to 30 percent off your rate. I don’t drive that much so I won’t be testing out RightLane, but it’s still pretty cool to see insurance companies take advantage of Android devices to encourage better driving habbits with their customers. 
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| Nook HD and HD+ gain official access to Google Play Posted: 03 May 2013 06:35 AM PDT The Android tablets offered by Amazon and Barnes & Noble have always been regarded as good budget devices, but their closed app ecosystems have always kept them segregated as niche devices for tinkerers or those looking to get a little bit more than a main eReader. Barnes & Noble has decided to break out of that mold and make the Nook HD and HD+ into more appealing tablets by giving consumers access to Google Play and its 700,000 applications. Gmail, YouTube, Chrome and Google Maps are coming a long for the ride as well and help make Barnes & Noble’s tablet options infinitely more valuable than anything in Amazon’s lineup. The addition of Google Play will allow Nook HD and HD+ users to download all of their favorite apps and games, but the Nook store will still be present to give consumers easy access to digital books, newspapers and magazines. Barnes & Noble be delivering Google Play access to the two tablets in the near future through a software update. Details on when the update will be available have not been released yet, but we doubt you’ll have to wait long if you’re a proud owner of one of B&N’s tablets. Do you think this move will make Barnes & Noble’s tablets a more appealing option for the general public? Show Press ReleaseBarnes & Noble Announces Google Play™ on NOOK® HD and NOOK® HD+ NOOK Media LLC, a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, “By adding Google Play to NOOK HD and NOOK HD+, we are offering our customers even Always a great value, NOOK HD, now with Google Play, is available starting at just $199 and Google Play and the other Google services will be available on all new and existing NOOK HD More than 700,000 Android Apps and Games: Choose from more than 700,000 great apps Faster Web Browsing with Chrome: As Web browsing continues to be among the most Gmail™, YouTube™ and Google Maps™: Customers will have instant access to Gmail, Additional great tablet features include: UK Pricing: For a limited time only, as part of NOOK’s involvement in the “Get London Reading” literacy initiative, NOOK HD is available starting at just £129 (down from £159), with the NOOK HD+ starting at only £179 (down from £229). NOOK products are available in John Lewis, Argos, Asda, Dixons, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Blackwell’s and Foyles and also through www.nook.co.uk. 
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) saw its companion app updated this week. New features include compatibility with the HTC One and Galaxy S 4 devices. I’m currently waiting to receive my 
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